J. Paul Costabile of
Cinema Canada wrote "to an extent, the inconsistencies of the plot are mitigated by some uniformly excellent performances; the director has shown that he can draw sensitive and compelling performances from actors and deal with controversial material without sensationalism; but, it must be admitted, this film's scaffold-like plotting is a distinct handicap." Pearl Rowell opined in
The Gazette that "a film is supposed to be either educational or entertaining, it is not to encourage and sell every kind of degenerated behavior; it's hard to believe the graphic display of two men urinating brought any new light on the subject." Film critic Geoff Pevere stated "a film purported to be a 'sensitive and tasteful treatment' of an incestuous brother/sister relationship, ''Summer's Children'' fails miserably; cheaply made and carelessly constructed; there is little in this squalid production; most of the shots, while quite attractive when taken separately, have no continuity whatsoever, and are confusing and irritating to follow; the script is incredibly pretentious and the two young leads are obviously uncomfortable in front of a camera, something usually avoided in the hands of a confident filmmaker." ==Accolades==